($624+) New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $624 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,912 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 925 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,873, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,912 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,107 - $3,740, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $624 - $1,621.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,544 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,544 - $5,693. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 925 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 925-mile route from New Orleans to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,873 for a studio up to $7,912 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,107 - $3,740 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $624 - $1,621, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,037 - $2,843, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
For the 925-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,873 and $7,912. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,072 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in New Orleans generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,873 - $4,680
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,544 - $5,693
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,864 - $7,912
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from New Orleans to Chicago.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in New Orleans, LA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,107 and $3,740. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in New Orleans costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $2,135
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,453 - $2,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,936 - $3,740
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $155 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $725 in New Orleans, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,107. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,453 - $2,737.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in New Orleans to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in New Orleans:
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
- Moving Nola (5.0/5)
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
Plan on $624 - $1,621 for a rental moving truck on the 925-mile route from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $305 - $348
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from New Orleans to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $624 - $1,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $693 - $1,376
- 4+ bedrooms: $828 - $1,621
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $624 - $1,621 does not include fuel ($305 - $348), lodging ($155/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from New Orleans to Chicago typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $155 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $337 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $305 - $348 in fuel for the 925-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $725 in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $932 and $2,327.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,037 - $1,921
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,139 - $2,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $2,843
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $725.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $155 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from New Orleans to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: New Orleans, LA vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in New Orleans: cost of living index of 106 versus 102, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,755/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 58/100 and 32.69/100 in New Orleans versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Louisiana to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 73 movers in Louisiana, so you have real options to compare for this 925-mile move.
Our take
A move from New Orleans, LA, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,873 - $7,912 on the 925-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,107 - $3,740, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $624 - $1,621. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,544 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Chicago, IL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $693 - $1,376. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.